Removable clip-on lens

ABSTRACT

A clip-on lens assembly for removable disposition and/or mounting to existing eyeglasses is presented. The clip-on lens assembly include at least one clip-on lens selectively positionable in a removably coupled relation to a pair of eyeglasses, and disposed in an at least partially overlying relation to the eyeglass lens. The clip-on lens includes at least two mounting clips disposed at an upper portion thereof, the mounting clips being structured to removably engage or contact the eyeglasses. Particularly, the mounting clips of certain embodiments include a base fixedly secured to the clip-on lens, and a flexible mounting portion extending outwardly therefrom. The flexible mounting portion may be flexed or moved outwardly to expose or enlarge an opening through which a portion of the eyeglasses are positioned. The flexible mounting portion will then engage or contact the eyeglasses for mounting the clip-on lenses thereto.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is generally directed to a pair of removableclip-on lenses which can be selectively and individually attached to apair of eyeglasses.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Individuals who wear prescription eyeglasses or corrective eyeglassesoften carry an additional pair of glasses for sun protection. The secondpair of eyeglasses is often bulky, particularly if carried within acase, and are subject to damage if not carried or stored in a case.Furthermore, at least one of two pairs of glasses (e.g.,corrective/prescription eyeglasses or sunglasses) are often lost,damaged or stolen, particularly, when the user takes on pair off andputs the other pair on.

Some prescription glasses are specifically structured to automaticallychange or implement tinting when exposed to different levels of sun orshade. Particularly, the lenses may be configured to automatically tintwhen exposed to the sun and automatically revert back to beingtransparent when not exposed to the sun. These types of lenses are oftenextremely expensive and can, in many cases, malfunction or otherwise notoperate in the intended manner or desired manner. For example, someindividuals may not want the lenses to tint at certain times, however,there is no control over when the lenses tint.

There is thus a need in the art for a solution to easily carry sunprotection and be able to selectively position the sun protection overthe user's glasses when needed or desired. The proposed sun protectionmay include separate and individual clip-on lenses that can be storedindividually within a small bag or pouch that can be easily carried inan unobtrusive manner. The small pouch may be attached to a key chain oreasily fit within a pocket, purse or bag for use whenever needed ordesired.

Further, the clip-on lenses may be manufactured from materials that areexceptionally durable but are not bulky and do not scratch or damage theuser's existing eyeglasses. The clip-on lenses may include one or morerubber or flexible mounting clips that can be easily attached to theuser's eyeglasses. When no longer need, the user can easily detach theclip-on lenses from the eyeglasses and return them to the bag or pouchfor easy portability and accessibility. A cleaning cloth may be includedwithin the pouch in order to maintain the cleanliness of the lenses andkeep them free from dirt and smudges.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a clip-on lens assembly comprisingat least one, but more practically, a plurality of two clip-on lensesstructured for removable disposition or mounting onto a pair ofeyeglasses. In certain embodiments, the clip-on lenses are tinted (e.g.,polarized or unpolarized) and can be added or mounted to correctiveeyeglasses, such as spectacles or prescription eyewear. In otherembodiments, however, the clip-on lenses may comprise corrective lensesor prescription lenses which can be selectively added or mounted tosunglasses or other tinted eyewear.

In any event, the clip-on lenses of the various embodiments include oneor more mounting clips disposed thereon for selective disposition of theclip-on lenses in a removable mounting relation with the eyeglasses.Each of the lenses may be separate from one another, or otherwise notconnected to one another, allowing for selective and independentmounting thereof. This also allows the clip-on lenses to be stored in asmall pouch and easily carried by the user, e.g., in a pocket, on a keychain, etc., for easy transition and mounting at virtually any time orlocation.

Furthermore, the mounting clips may include a flexible mounting portionwhich can at least partially bend outward exposing an opening orreceiving portion. The clip-on lenses may be positioned over the lensesof the eyeglasses wherein the opening or receiving portion of theflexible mounting portion may be disposed over a top portion of theeyeglasses (e.g. over the top frame, if present and/or lens). In thismanner, the mounting clips of certain embodiments may include a general“C” shaped configuration structured to at least partially engage orcontact an inner surface of the eyeglasses. The mounting clip and/orengaging end portion thereof may be constructed of rubber or othermaterial that will not scratch or damage the eyeglasses or the lensesthereof.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the presentinvention will become more apparent when the drawings as well as thedetailed description are taken into consideration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of the clip-on lens assembly as disclosed inaccordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the clip-on lens assembly illustrated in theexemplary embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 top view of a clip-on lens illustrated in accordance with atleast one embodiment of the clip-on lens assembly disclosed herein.

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the clip-on lens illustrated in the exemplaryembodiment of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of the clip-on lens illustrated in theexemplary embodiment of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the mounting clip as disclosed in accordancewith at least one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a partially exploded front view of the clip-on lens assemblyas disclosed in accordance with at least one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of a clip-on lens mounted toeyeglasses as disclosed in accordance with at least one embodimentherein.

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the clip-on lens assembly disposablewithin a storage pouch as disclosed in accordance with at least oneembodiment herein.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several viewsof the drawings provided herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As shown in the accompanying drawings, and with particular reference toFIG. 1 through 5, the present invention is directed to a clip-on lensassembly, generally referenced as 10. Specifically, the clip-on lensassembly 10 of the various embodiments includes at least one, butpreferably two separate and independent clip-on lenses 20, 30 disposablein a removably attached manner to a pair of glasses or spectacles 2.Each of the clip-on lenses 20, 30 may be tinted, such as in the form ofsunglass lenses, whether polarized or unpolarized, and which can beselectively attached or mounted to conventional corrective eyeglasses 2,such as spectacles, prescription eyewear, etc. in order to add tintingto the eyeglasses 2 when needed or desired.

Particularly, the clip-on lenses 20, 30 may be disposed in an at leastpartially overlying relation to the lenses 4, 6 of the eyeglasses 2,such that a user wearing the eyeglasses 2 with the attached or mountedclip-on lenses 20, 30 will be able to simultaneously see through thegenerally clear lenses 4, 6 of the eyeglasses 2 and the tinted clip-onlens(es) 20, 30 of the clip-on lens assembly 10 mounted thereon. Itshould also be noted that the clip-on lenses 20, 30 of certainembodiments of the present invention may be in the form of correctivelenses, prescription lenses, reading lenses etc., and may thus include asubstantially clear or transparent configuration, while the eyeglasses 2may be sunglasses or tinted eyewear. In this regard, while the clip-onlens assembly 10 of at least one embodiment may add tinted lenses totraditional corrective eyewear, other embodiments may add correctivelenses to sunglasses or tinted eyewear.

In any event, the clip-on lens assembly 10 of at least one embodimentincludes two separate and unattached clip-on lenses 20, 30 that can beindividually attached to the left and right lenses 4, 6 of theeyeglasses 2. Certain embodiments of the clip on-lenses 20, 30 include asubstantially similar shape or configuration as the eyeglasses 2,although other shapes and sizes whether similar or different than theeyeglasses is contemplated. With the individual clip-on lenses 20, 30being separate, independent or otherwise unattached to one another, eachcan be selectively and individually attached or mounted to theeyeglasses 2, and each can be individually stored in a small pouch orother location when not in use, as will be described in more detailherein.

Furthermore, the various embodiments of the present invention alsoinclude at least one mounting clip 40 attached or secured to the clip-onlenses 20, 30 for removable disposition or mounting of the lens assemblyto the eyeglasses 2. For instance, the mounting clip(s) 40 of at leastone embodiment of the present invention may be secured to or proximatean upper portion 22, 32 of the corresponding clip-on lens 20, 30, asillustrated in FIG. 1. Furthermore, certain embodiments may include aplurality of at least two mounting clips 40 disposed in a spacedrelation from one another along or proximate the top or upper portion22, 32 of the corresponding lens 20, 30. For instance, the mountingclips 40 may be attached or secured to the clip-on lens 20, 30 proximatethe upper corners or upper ends of the clip-on lens 20, 30, as shown inthe figures. Accordingly, the mounting clips 40 are structured anddisposed to attach or mount to a corresponding upper portion of theeyeglasses 2, for example, by lowering the clip-on lens 20, 30thereupon, as generally shown in FIG. 7. It should be noted, however,that other positions or locations of the mounting clip(s) 40 structuredto facilitate practice of the present invention in the intended mannerare contemplated herein.

Moreover, the mounting clip(s) 40 of at least one embodiment comprises abase 42 and a mounting portion 44. The base 42 is fixedly secured to theclip-on lens 20, 30 and the mounting portion 44 extends outwardlytherefrom and is structured to facilitate mounting of the clip-on lens20, 30 to the eyeglasses 2. As shown in FIGS. 1 through 6, the base 42of at least one embodiment include a generally flat section secured toan upper portion of the inner surface 24, 34 of the correspondingclip-on lens 20, 30. Particularly, the base 42 may be fixedly attachedto the clip-on lens 20, 30 via adhesion, although other forms ofattachment are contemplated within the full spirit and scope of thepresent invention. Additionally, the mounting clip 40 and/or the base 42thereof may be secured or attached to the clip-on lens 20, 30 at alocation or locations other than that shown in the figures. For example,the mounting clip(s) 40 may be secured or attached to the uppermost edgerather than an inner surface 24, 34 of the clip-on lens 20, 30.

Further, the mounting portion 44 of at least one embodiment comprises apartially open looped configuration or “C” shaped configuration definingan opening or inner portion 45. The “C” shaped configuration may bedefined by three portions 46, 47, 48 as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6,for example. It should be noted that while portions 46, 47, 48 areillustrated to form an angled configuration there between, the mountingportion 44 of the mounting clip 40 may be rounded, or include additionalsections or portions than those illustrated.

In addition, the mounting portion 44 of at least one embodimentcomprises a substantially flexible construction allowing the mountingportion 44 to be movably disposed or positioned relative to the base 42and/or the lens 20, 30. For example, the mounting clip 40 and/or themounting portion 44 thereof may be formed of a flexible rubber orgasket-like material, although other substantially flexible materialsmay be contemplated within the full spirit and scope of the presentinvention.

In particular, referring to FIG. 5, the mounting portion 44 of themounting clip 40 may be selectively moved or flexed at least partiallyupward and/or in the direction generally indicated by arrows A. Movementof the mounting portion 44 in direction A moves end 49 at leastpartially away from the lens 20, 30 and at least partially expands orexposes the opening or inner portion 45 between the mounting portion 44and the clip-on lens 20, 30. Movement or flexing of the mounting portion44 may be accomplished with a user's finger (not shown) or by engagingthe mounting portion 44 with an upper portion of the eyeglasses 2. Inthis manner, the flexible mounting portion 44 of the mounting clip 40may be movably positioned over a top or upper portion of the eyeglassesfor selective disposition of the clip-on lens 20, 30 in a removablycoupled relation with the eyeglasses 2.

For example, a user may pull outward and/or upward (in direction A) onthe mounting portion 44 in order to expose or expand opening 45 andlower the mounting portion 44 onto the eyeglasses 2 to mount the clip-onlens assembly 10 to the eyeglasses 2. As another example, rather thanmanually pulling on, flexing or movably disposing the mounting portion44, the user may lower the mounting portion 44 onto the upper portion ofthe eyeglasses 2 positioning the eyeglasses 2 within the opening 45. Theflexibility of the mounting portion 44 will movably dispose the mountingportion 44 relative to the eyeglasses and expand the opening 45 as theuser pushes or disposes the clip-on lens 20, 30 onto the eyeglasses 2.

Referring now to FIG. 8, when the clip-on lens 30 is disposed in theremovably coupled relation to the eyeglasses 2, the mounting portion 44of the mounting clip 40 is structured to at least partially engage orcontact an inner surface of the eyeglasses 2. For example, end 49 of themounting portion 44 may engage or contact an inner surface 5 of the lens6 and/or frame of the eyeglasses 2. This positions the clip-on lens 30in an at least partially overlying relation to the lens 6 of theeyeglasses 2 and allows the user to easily and selectively mount orremove the clip-on lens 30 as desired.

Furthermore, as illustrated in FIGS. 5, 6, 7 and 8, for example, the endportion 49 of the mounting portion 44 may include an at least partiallyangled configuration. The angled configuration may be inwardly disposedor angled inwardly toward opening 45, as illustrated. In this manner,while the flexible mounting portion 44 is flexed at least partially openor outward (e.g., in direction A, FIG. 5) and while attached or mountedto the eyeglasses (FIG. 8), the at least partially angled end portion 49may be disposed in a substantially flush or supportive relation with theinner surface 5 of the lens 6 or eyeglasses 2. For instance, when themounting portion 44 is attached or mounted to the eyeglasses 2, themounting portion 44 may be at least partially flexed or outwardlydisposed, thereby positioning the angled end portion 49 in an at leastpartially flush or flat engaging relation with the inner surface 5 ofthe lens 6 or eyeglasses 2.

Referring to the exemplary embodiment of the mounting clip 40 of atleast one embodiment, exemplary (non-limiting) dimensions andconfigurations are provided. For example, length L1 of base 42 may be inthe range of approximately 0.16 inches, length L2 of first portion 46may be in the range of approximately 0.22 inches, length L3 of secondportion 47 may be in the range of approximately 0.25 inches, outerlength L4A of third portion 48 may be in the range of approximately 0.17inches, and inner length L4B of third portion 48 may be in the range of0.14 inches. In this regard, inwardly directed acute angle B may be inthe range of approximately 60-65 degrees. Further, thickness T1 of thebase 42 may be in the range of approximately 0.03 inches and thicknessof the mounting portions 44 may be in the range of approximately 0.06inches. It should be apparent, however, that these dimensions (e.g.,lengths, thicknesses and degrees) should in no way be deemed limitingand are presented herein as merely exemplary in accordance with at leastone illustrative embodiment of the present invention. Other dimensionsare thus contemplated within the full spirit and scope of the presentinvention.

Additional features of certain embodiments of the present inventioninclude a storage pouch 50 for storing the clip-on lens assembly 10 whennot in use, or otherwise when the clip-on lens assembly 10 is notmounted to eyeglasses. For instance, due to the separate, independentand unattached nature of the two clip-on lenses 20, 30, the clip-onlenses 20, 30 are able to be stored in a small pouch 50, for example,within one or more pockets 52, 54 thereof. In particular, the clip-onlenses 20, 30 may be stored in the same or different pockets 52, 54 of asingle pouch 50. The pouch 50 may also include a key ring or key chainattachment device 56 for securing the pouch 50 to a key ring. In thismanner, the user may be able to tote the clip-on lens assembly 10 withinthe small pouch 50 and attached to the user's key chain. The separateand independent clip-on lenses 20, 30 may thus be easily and readilyavailable for use and ready to be easily clipped on or mounted to theuser's eyeglasses, as disclosed herein.

This written description provides an illustrative explanation and/oraccount of the present invention. It may be possible to deliverequivalent benefits and insights using variations of the specificembodiments without departing from the inventive concept. Thisdescription and these drawings, therefore, are to be regarded asillustrative and not restrictive.

Now that the invention has been described,

What is claimed is:
 1. A clip-on lens assembly, comprising: at least oneclip-on lens selectively positionable in a removably coupled relation toa pair of eyeglasses, said clip-on lens being disposable in an at leastpartially overlying relation to a lens of the eyeglasses, at least twomounting clips disposed on an inner surface of said clip-on lens, saidmounting clips being structured to removably engage said eyeglasses fordisposing said clip-on lens in said removably coupled relation to saideyeglasses, said mounting clips comprising a base and a flexiblemounting portion, said base being fixedly attached to said inner surfaceof said clip-on lens and said flexible mounting portion extending fromsaid base, and said base comprising an at least partially flat, exposedsurface disposed in a spaced relation from said inner surface of saidclip-on lens, wherein a portion of the eyeglasses contact said at leastpartially flat, exposed surface of said base when said clip-on lens isdisposed in said removably coupled relation to said eyeglasses.
 2. Theclip-on lens assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said flexiblemounting portion of each of said mounting clips comprises an inwardlyangled end portion.
 3. The clip-on lens assembly as recited in claim 2wherein said inwardly angled end portion is disposed in a substantiallyengaged relation with an inner surface of the lens of the eyeglasses fordisposition of said clip-on lens in said removably coupled relation tothe eyeglasses.
 4. The clip-on lens assembly as recited in claim 3wherein said flexible mounting portion of each of said mounting clipscomprises a C-shaped configuration.
 5. The clip-on lens assembly asrecited in claim 4 wherein said flexible mounting portion is movablypositioned over a top portion of the eyeglasses for selectivedisposition of said clip-on lens in said removably coupled relation tothe eyeglasses.
 6. A clip-on lens, comprising: at least one clip-on lensselectively positionable in a removably coupled relation to a pair ofeyeglasses, at least one mounting clip entirely disposed on an innerside of said clip-on lens, said mounting clip being structured toremovably engage said eyeglasses for disposing said clip-on lens in saidremovably coupled relation to said pair of eyeglasses, said mountingclip comprising a base and a flexible mounting portion, said base beingfixedly attached to said inner side of said clip-on lens and saidflexible mounting portion extending outwardly from said base, andwherein said base comprises an at least partially flat, exposed surfacedisposed in a spaced relation from said inner side of said clip-on lens,wherein a portion of the eyeglasses contact said at least partiallyflat, exposed surface of said base when said clip-on lens is disposed insaid removably coupled relation to said eyeglasses.